tastebuds & travel

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The 11 Arizona Restaurants You Must Try

Whether you’re in the mood for a quick snack, a casual meal, a breathtaking view, or an extravagant night out, I’ve got you covered when it comes to dining in these five Arizona cities.

- PHOENIX, AZ -

Outdoor seating at Different Pointe of View

Different Pointe of View

Located within the grounds of Hilton’s Tapatio Cliffs Resort, this restaurant provides a stunning view that overlooks the valley.

Sit at a table, or lounge in comfortable chairs around fire pits - it’s the perfect spot to enjoy the sunset with a charcuterie board and a bottle of wine, before retiring to the dining room for a full course culinary experience.

You can read in-depth about the experience and see more of their entrees here.

Geordie’s Restaurant at Wrigley Mansion

Lunch at Geordie’s

This isn’t the most impressive dining experience, but the estate is gorgeous, therefore, it’s quite fun to dine in. While the Wrigley family no longer owns the mansion, the owners are those of the Hormel Meat Packing family, so they’ve incorporated repurposed spam containers into their plates. 

While you’re there, take a tour of the mansion. They’re got an entire room lined in their gum wrapping foil, so that they never forget where their fortune came from.

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Los Dos Molinos

The little family run cantina serves up spicy dishes and a funky Day of the Dead atmosphere. It’s cheap, causal, and flavorful. Nearly every dish, including the salsas that come with the complementary chips have quite the kick, so if you can’t take the heat, this probably isn’t the place for you.

Steak 44

This high-end steakhouse has a modern feel, with a dark, romantic ambience.

Make sure to dress for the occasion, as it’s required - you may even find yourself seated next to high profile guests (we sat next to NBA player Paul George, the night before OKC took on the Suns).

For dessert - don’t skip it - I highly suggest trying to the beignet tree (shareable).

Steak 44 takes reservations and offers free valet parking.

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Rustler’s Rooste

A country-western themed steakhouse with live music and peanut shell covered floors. This restaurant offers a fun, family friendly experience featuring an in-house slide and free cotton candy for all. Their menu revolves around meat, so make sure that’s what you’re in the mood for - and if you’ve ever wanted to try rattlesnake, you’ll find it among the appetizers.

Don’t leave without staying hello to the bull out front, and make sure to take in the view on their deck out back.

- FLAGSTAFF, AZ -

The Red Trout Fillet from Tinderbox Kitchen

Ewa’s Thai Cuisine

If you happen to find yourself in Flagstaff on Christmas, lucky for you, this will be your only dining option in town.  

The atmosphere is comfortable and laid back, with plenty of seating. If you’re met with a wait-time, it won’t be long. The family that runs it is very friendly, and the food is delicious. Make sure to double up on appetizers and sides, as some of the portions are smaller.

Tinderbox Kitchen

Choose anything on the menu - you truly cannot go wrong here.

They have a limited menu (which I prefer, because quality over quantity), and use simple seasonings to enhance the natural flavors of food. Don’t miss out on their drink menu, ranging from mint lemonade to a blood orange cocktail.

Appetizer recommendation: crab + brie dip, and fried brussels and cauliflower.

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- SCOTTSDALE, AZ -

Fat Ox

This Italian restaurant serves up a contemporary dining experience, consisting of small portioned pastas and roasted meats. You’ll typically spend a few hours here, as you go through several courses of shareable plates.

It can get quite noisy (request a quiet spot away from the bar and kitchen upon reservation), and the choice of music is, well, questionable, but if you’re wanting to try something different from anywhere else, this it it. If you go in with an open mind, you’ll be very pleased. Be sure to check out their impressive wine menu, as well.

Tip: This would be a great spot to take a client.

- JEROME, AZ -

Bobby D’s BBQ

Enjoy classic barbeque mixed with a haunted history. Featured on the History Channel, Arizona’s oldest restaurant was built in the small mining town of Jerome in 1899.

There’s very limited seating, and even the booths are a super tight fit, but the view is scenic and the food is delicious. If the weather is nice, you can sit out on the deck and lookout over the mountainside.

- MESA, AZ -

Sonsons Pasty Co.

I think I’ve got a new favorite food: a chicken green chili pasty. If you’ve never had a pasty, it’s a traditional English pastry that can be described as a handheld turnover filled with meats and vegetables.

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The owner, who is from Cornwall, England, is incredibly friendly and helpful - and her pasties are to die for. If you’ve never had an authentic pasty, don’t waste anymore time - go, now.

You can purchase the pasties ready to eat, or you can order them frozen to bake at home.

The pasties you can order include steak and cheese, sausage, and barbecue. See the full menu here.


Red White and Brew

Whatever cuisine you’re in the mood for, they’ve got it. They serve massive portions, practically shareable. This is a good spot for large groups, and all is set at a reasonable price. It’s technically an Italian restaurant, so naturally their pasta is very good, but they also serve burgers, seafood, steaks, and traditional American comfort food.


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